The Reading Framework for the 1992 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) contains the rationale for the aspects of reading assessed in 1992 and criteria for development of the assessment. Developed through a national consensus process as a part of an effort to move assessment forward, the framework presented in the booklet is more consistent with contemporary knowledge about reading and more relevant to the needs of education decisionmakers than earlier assessments. Chapters of the booklet are: (1) Development of the 1992 Reading Framework (with sections on steering committee guidelines and on considerations and principles); (2) The Design of the 1992 Reading Framework (with sections on a goal for reading literacy education; constructing, extending, and examining meaning; and constructing the assessment); and (3) Special Studies and Background Information (with sections on special studies of oral reading and response; portfolio and metacognition study; and with information for educational policy makers. Appendixes listing steering and planning committee members, and giving sample readings and test items for 4th, 8th, and 12th grades are attached. (RS)